Eric Carle has long been a favorite in our house. My children cut their teeth on his books. My 3 year old granddaughter can ‘read’ Brown Bear, Bear all by herself. Of course, she will only do this while sitting in your lap (smart girl). My 15 month old granddaughter was dressed in a Very Hungry Caterpillar knit baby outfit for her first Halloween. And today, I picked up a copy of his newest book Friends for my son who just got engaged.

The artwork is amazing! Naturally. It’s a beautiful story of a young boy who’s best friend moves away. He is so lonely that he decided to go find her. He swims through oceans, climbs mountains, travels through forests, and finally goes through a flower garden where he gathers a bouquet and finds his friend. “I knew you would come,” she said. And they got married.

On the last pages, Eric Carle shows the reader a photograph taken of him with a little neighbor girl when he was only three years old. That photo is the basis for the cover art. When he was six years old, he and his parents moved back to Germany and he never saw his friend again. But years later, he married his wife Barbara who was one of the primary inspirations for this book.

Awww, I’m a sucker for a good love story. I guess that’s why I immediately thought to buy this book, not for one of my granddaughters who love picture books, but for my son who loves his best friend.

Gotta go now, my eyes are a little wet. Oh yeah, before I forget, here’s a nice little youtube of Eric Carle talking about his new book. You watch while I get a tissue. See you around the blog!